Analysts outline ten potential MLB trades ahead of August deadline
With the trade deadline approaching, analysts propose ten possible player moves involving teams both buying and selling, highlighting options for the Marlins, White Sox, Cubs, Rangers, Cardinals, Yankees, Braves, Blue Jays, Astros and Rays.
As the August 3 deadline draws near, five clubs—Mets, Giants, Angels, Royals and Rockies—are more than six games out of a playoff spot and are expected to be sellers. Analysts have identified ten trade scenarios that could reshape rosters before the deadline.
One proposal pairs the Miami Marlins with the Boston Red Sox, sending catcher Willson Contreras to Miami in exchange for infielder Starlyn Caba and left-hander Nate Payne. The Marlins, currently in the wild-card race, lack power hitters and have payroll flexibility, making Contreras a potential fit.
The Chicago White Sox are suggested to acquire left-hander Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants for prospects Shane Murphy and Duncan Davitt. Ray, a veteran with a 2.66 ERA this season, could bolster a rotation that has performed well despite early struggles.
A trade for the Chicago Cubs would bring closer Aroldis Chapman from Boston in return for catcher Ariel Armas and right-hander Brooks Caple, addressing the Cubs' limited save production.
The Texas Rangers could target second-base star Luis Arraez from the Giants, offering right-hander Leandro Lopez and outfielder Maxton Martin. Arraez’s .326 average would strengthen a Rangers offense that is currently underperforming.
The St. Louis Cardinals are listed as a possible destination for right-hander Michael Wacha, with the Kansas City Royals receiving catcher Leo Bernal, left-hander Brandon Clarke and infielder Deniel Ortiz in return. Wacha leads the American League in innings pitched and could provide veteran depth for the Cardinals.
The New York Yankees might acquire catcher Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Carlos Lagrange, outfielder Spencer Jones and shortstop Kaeden Kent. Goodman’s 14 home runs since June rank him among the league’s top power hitters.
A trade between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels could see left-hander Reid Detmers move to Atlanta for right-hander Owen Murphy and infielder Jose Perdomo, giving the Braves a reliable arm amid rotation injuries.
The Toronto Blue Jays are suggested to obtain right-hander Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder RJ Schreck and right-hander Jake Bloss, adding a starter to a pitching staff that has struggled.
Houston could target first-baseman Taylor Ward and pitcher Trevor Rogers from the Baltimore Orioles, offering prospects Kevin Alvarez and Bryce Mayer. Both players are viewed as rentals that could improve the Astros' lineup and rotation.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Rays are proposed to acquire left-hander Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers for outfielder Theo Gillen and right-hander Michael Forret, aiming to strengthen a rotation that already features Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan and Nick Martinez.
These scenarios are speculative and depend on team assessments, payroll considerations and player performance as the season enters its final stretch.